Notes from the host
Charming Rustic River Retreat
Our home, built in the early 1950's is nestled in a steep rise in New Westminster in Greater Vancouver, BC, Canada.
We are close to the Brunette River and Fraser River. The area is an oasis of historic and natural beauty. It was first established in 1859 and some homes from the early 20th c. still exist.
There is an Olympic swimming pool nearby, a grocery store, boutiques, salons, antique shops, good restaurants and great transit access.
The suite is a completely private, junior 1 bedroom garden suite in our home on the main level facing the back garden. This is a cozy, compact apartment! It suits 1-2 people and is perfect for couples. There is possibly room for 1 additional person or smaller pet.
Lots of free street parking on a quiet, safe street.
You have your own private access (electronic key code) for your front door as well as your own private washroom (shower only). Please note that you have to step up into the shower (for those that may have issues with mobility).
There is a full kitchen at your disposal with everything you may need to cook a full meal. We offer a complimentary coffee bar with Keurig coffee maker, as well as a variety of teas and hot chocolate. Creamer, milk and sugar as to your preference.
The bedroom has an extremely comfortable, firm Queen mattress with fresh cotton linens. There is a large closet with hangers in bedroom. An iron is available.
If there are more than two people needing sleeping space, we can provide a pullout in the sitting area as well as a single bed on the floor of the bedroom or sitting area.
Please let us know BEFORE your check in date if you require a pullout or airbed so we can have it ready for you upon arrival.
There is a small sitting area between bathroom and kitchen with an apartment sized loveseat, a 42 " Bravia TV with 12 HD channels and an Amazon Firestick (Netflix, Amazon Prime). (no regular cable but there is a hookup cable for laptop or other compatible device).
There is a small mini-bar surface for lounging, working or having a small bite to eat.
You will have your own bistro patio set to lounge upon overlooking the garden.
You are welcome to use our small above ground pool (4 ft deep and 18 ft across), perfect for cooling off in after a hot summer day of sightseeing.
*Weather permitting of course during summer months as it is unheated*
* Free access to laundry (on stays of 7 days and over).
*3 minute walk to transit (bus) and very close 12-15 minute walk to the skytrain (like a metro or subway but above ground).
We are a 3 minute walk to a beautiful, fenced, off leash dog park, walking and hiking trails, tennis courts and an outdoor, public swimming pool.
A few minutes further and you reach the Brunette river at Hume Park where the salmon travel once per year! It's a peaceful and quiet space to relax, meditate, do yoga or jump in the water.
The Green Valley Parkway is just a 5 minute walk and you can follow this path (walking or cycling) all the way to downtown Vancouver if you choose, passing small picturesque lakes, as well as small urban centres along the way.
A FEW THINGS TO NOTE:
**Smoking is allowed on the back decks (upper or lower) or in front. Please use provided ashtrays. If you have a smoke sensitivity, this listing is not the best fit for you.
**We are 420 friendly. Smoking or vaping allowed on the patio.
** If you have friends or family in the area, we are happy for you to connect, but please let us know if they plan on visiting. Visitors not registered as Airbnb guests may not be on the property at anytime without our knowledge.
** Guests of visitors may not stay overnight unless this has been pre-arranged with either of us (Cindy or Steve). Otherwise, it's much too cozy, believe us!
** No parties or events (unless pre-arranged with us). We reserve the right to deny visitors of guests for any reason.
**Our home is not for you if you are ultra-sensitive to noise in the night or are a light sleeper. We work shift work and at home, so sometimes we are up during vampire hours. The area is also well known for train noises overnight (though most find it soothing). We can provide ear plugs and the suite is well insulated noise wise.
Pets are welcome but please consult with us first to ensure we are in agreement. The animal must be housebroken to the outside (no pee pads), well-behaved and get along with small dogs and large dogs (ie, dogs with high prey drive or dog aggressive dogs are not allowed ).
Limit of 2 dogs per reservation.
We have 3 dogs (2 chihuahuas and an American Bully). They are Lulu, Ruby and Nyx and they freely roam the yard and outside areas. They are all very friendly and would love to meet you! But it's also ok if you would prefer not to. Just let us know. If you have a fear of or an aversion to dogs, this listing is obviously not the best fit for your needs.
If you are bringing your own pet, we can provide pet bowls, beds, and homemade pet treats (please advise of any allergies ahead of time).
There is an additional pet agreement that will be sent to you if you include a pet in your booking.
Dogs are allowed on the furniture but ensure that they do not mark up the furniture with claws, nails, teeth.
If you require a dogsitter/dog walker during your stay with us, ask Cindy about availability and rates.
*We work a variety of hours so you may see one or all of us throughout your stay. We ask that you respect the neighbours and respect that quiet hours are generally from 11 pm to 7 am.
**Our home is not for you if you are ultra-sensitive to noise in the night or are an extremely light sleeper. We work shift work and at home, so sometimes we are up during vampire hours.
The area is also well known for train noises overnight (though most find it soothing). We all sleep like the dead so it doesn't bother us :) We do provide ear plugs and the suite is well insulated noise wise.
*We are pretty flexible and are willing to fulfill any reasonable requests we can ( a small gathering if you are in town visiting family, for example) or if you like us to stock fridge with a particular brand or specific items for when you arrive (flowers, a certain kind of fancy bread, beer, champagne!) This would be an additional fee of $10 plus payment for the item(s). Please inform us of your request before you arrive.
We are happy to oblige.
If you are wanting recommendations for good restaurants, parks, hikes, events or things to do during your stay, don't hesitate to ask. I've personally lived in the lower mainland in Vancouver for 12 years and know the city and the lower mainland well. If you are wanting to visit some of the Gulf Islands or the Big Island (Vancouver Island), I can also point you in the direction of your interests.
You can choose to interact with us or not. We won't bother you at all, unless there is a need.